FM Vows "Appropriate Response" against Any Threat to Egyptian, Arab Security

Egypt's Foreign Minister (FM) Sameh Shoukry affirmed that Egypt seeks to promote a political solution in Libya, noting that any threat to Egyptian and Arab security will receive an "appropriate response".

Regarding the Al-Wefaq government's response to Sisi's statement on Libya, Shoukry added that it has not fully understood President Sisi's position, hoping that Al-Wefaq will abide by "Skhirat Agreement".

In exclusive statements to Al-Arabiya news website, FM said, "Egypt is currently coordinating with international and regional actors in Libya."

"The military solution is Egypt's last option to defend its security," Shoukry confirmed.

Sisi’s statements on Libya

“Any direct intervention by Egypt has become internationally legitimate, whether under the UN charter on self-defense or based on the sole legitimate authority elected by the Libyan people: the Libyan parliament,” Sisi said.

The president underlined the outcomes of the Berlin Conference held in January stating that all foreign powers shall refrain from supplying arms to Libyan armed groups.

The president warned in his speech in Sidi Barani district in Matrouh Governorate bordering Libya against the foreign intervention in Libya for it composes a threat to regional, European, and global security and stability.

The president asserted the withdrawal of mercenaries from Libya, and the necessity that militias give up their arms to the Libyan National Army (LNA).

Egypt’s Sisi launched a political initiative earlier this month, which he called the “Cairo initiative,” in the hopes of paving a path toward normalcy in Libya and warned against using military tactics to resolve the crisis.

Libya has been mired in chaos since a Western-backed  2011 uprising toppled longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi only to leave rival warlords fighting for control of the country’s oil wealth and drawing in international powers as the conflict has ebbed and flowed.

Turkey has forged strong ties with GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj, sending sophisticated drones and air defence systems that helped him repel Haftar’s recent operations.